PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is label-friendly and has a simple, straightforward name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although most consumers might not recognize it as a viable alternative to traditional ingredients like nature’s blend calcium citrate. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound particularly appealing, prompting manufacturers to consider alternative descriptions for their product labels. If zein is incorporated into a high-profile food item, implementing an educational outreach campaign might help clarify consumer understanding of this ingredient. In contrast, consumers are more familiar with ferrous fumarate and folic acid tablets, which zein would replace.
Glycerin itself is a colorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. It serves multiple roles in food products, acting as a humectant to provide and retain moisture, as well as a plasticizer to maintain shape and texture. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo has indicated that it is already aware of sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols, and is not interested in these unless “significant advancements” have been made. All of these ingredients raise concerns for consumers aiming for cleaner labels, especially since manufacturers are trying to reduce salt content. Sugar alcohols can be challenging for some individuals to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is the main ingredient in non-toxic antifreeze, although small quantities have been deemed generally recognized as safe by the FDA.
Zein, first identified in 1821, boasts a rich history spanning two centuries. It has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, in printing, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein manufacturer in North America and one of only two globally. Currently, zein is employed as a candy coating, for enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, flavorings, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and encapsulated and granulated ingredients, as noted by Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company emphasizes that zein outperforms conventional confectionery or pharmaceutical glazes due to its quicker drying time and extended shelf-life—particularly under high humidity and heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical acknowledges that zein’s cost is a significant drawback for PepsiCo, which is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. The high extraction costs from corn make zein relatively expensive. Nonetheless, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract this protein, which could lower costs in the future. Companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges should explore various sources for inspiration. With potential investments in new extraction processes, zein could be the ideal ingredient for PepsiCo or any other manufacturer aiming to improve its product labels while considering alternatives like nature’s blend calcium citrate.